Woof Woof. Remembering Buddy.

On September 18th (sadly, the day before my birthday), we had to say goodbye to our first family dog Buddy. For those of you who knew him well, he also went by the name Carl. When Robby was a little boy he was introduced to the books "Carl" about a Rottweiler that acted as a babysitter when the mother of the baby went out for tea with friends or on errands. This sparked a need in Robby to always own a Rottie. We rescued Buddy from the Humane Society 4 years ago. His paperwork wasn't too clear, but we think he was around 1 year when we adopted him. Shortly after, we adopted Heinz (another Rottweiler), mostly for Buddy's entertainment. He was from a rescue agency in San Bernadino. Buddy was incredibly loyal, almost too smart for his own good at times. He was so gentle around kids. He would go up to them, turn his body, and give them an invisible 1 inch perimeter of space, allowing them to pet him, never bumping them over. Buddy would play such hilarious mental games with Heinz. I felt so safe with Buddy. He also protected the air space of our yard, which could get very annoying, especially when Blimps would circle around SDSU. He barked at any planes or helicopters that he believed might be too low. He was small for a Rottweiler, but made up for it by acting so tough, at least with the mailman.

Early in the morning on the 18th, he had his breakfast and 5 minutes later I heard a scuffle in the canyon. Long story short - Buddy had killed a skunk and somehow in the debacle had injured his spine at the cervical level. Were not sure if it happened when running down towards the canyon, interacting with the skunk, or what. Robby's dad was very helpful in taking him to the pet ER while I had to go to work. Robby was already at work. There was a possibility that surgical intervention may have allowed him to walk, but his quality of life may have been one with chronic pain. He definitely wouldn't have the agility and playfulness that characterized him so well. I could go into more details, but will leave it at this. It was a solemn few days and felt very odd without him around once we had made our best decision to say good bye.

Heinz, whom we joke about as not being so bright, truly seems to be just fine without Buddy. He has actually mellowed out quite a bit without Buddy egging him on. Heinz is very respectful and gentle around Riley.

We are so thankful for the memories and the safety that Buddy provided. We gave Buddy a good home and will always miss him.

(Buddy is the smaller of the two)

 

 Lots of trips to the Colorado River

 Checking out the parrots in the trees

 He loved snow.

 Camping in Sedona

Birthday Girl

With the help of so many friends and family we worked for months to add in some grass to our yard, with the goal of completion being Riley's birthday party. Mama needs more outdoor space for survival since there aren't any parks nearby. Who knew that Robby is also a structural engineer, contractor and landscaper? It's amazing what owning a house does to a person's resume. I was so excited to celebrate Riley's first birthday with an outdoor open-house style party. Our plans were for it to involve some beer and sangria and be more of an adult 'We survived the first year' sort of get together. Instead, it ended up as a - we survived cramming 40+ adults and children all at once in our small but air-conditioned home, since it turned out to be the hottest day of the year in San Diego. It wasn't only the hottest day of the year, but the hottest day in San Diego for the last 24 years. It hadn't been 107 degrees in our city since 1988. But what mattered the most is that Riley had fun. I can never say it enough...but we are so overjoyed by the generosity of presents, relationships, love, and just pure fun we continuously have in our lives. Happy Birthday Riley, love you baby! And THANK YOU Robby for my grass. It makes me so happy. So so so happy. 

On her actual birthday, Robby was working, so Riley and I spent time hanging out around the house and with our good friends at the beach. 

When you ask her how old she is, she puts her finger up.

 It is my absolute favorite thing in the whole wide world when she climbs on me. 

Thanks for spending the day with us Ozzy and Erin. We already have so many good memories with you guys. 

Almost One

I CANNOT believe this girl is almost One! Thanks to the inspiration of a few other friends, including Tate and Kar, I realize I must blog this stuff down more. It is unreal how these little babes, who are quickly turning into 'kids,' literally tack on something new to their miniature world of accomplishments each day. 

Riley has conquered the stairs in the front of the house. She takes the cell phone to her ear and very poignantly says "Hi." Pushes the keychain lock/unlock button and says "Bye" when she hears the car beep outside. Oh, and after months and months of "Hi" to everyone and at times, no one, she is now saying "Bye." She actually says it at appropriate times too...very cute. We have been spending a lot of time outdoors, especially pushing her toys in the front yard as mommy desperately tries to wear her out. She has had her first few bumps and bruises. She makes it very clear when she is done eating (that is if she even eats more than a few bites - SO picky!), by throwing her food as hard, fast, and far as possible. Which has led to me giving in and trying to teach her a few sign language words like "all-done." So far no success. She still makes her adorable "Ooh" face all of the time. 

The girl drives me absolutely crazy...I am exhausted all of the time. For example, today after she had fallen asleep in the car I decided to sit on the sidewalk and read a book with the car door open. Needless to say, the cement was so nice and warm, and then there was the cloud cover...well, I fell asleep on the walkway in the front yard, to be awoken by our neighbor. I've definitely had my share of meltdowns and had to apologize to Robby for my woe-is-me charades. Despite the chronic sleep deprivation that's going over a year now, I'd still never trade a second of these cherished moments. 

A few details to look back on...


First word (if this is a word): "Uh-oh."


Second: "Hi." She makes sure everyone feels special and gets a wave of the hand, accompanied by "Hi." Everyone, as in, Grandma, Grandpa, friends, dogs, every single person at Costco, walls...get the picture. 


Newest favorite pastime at 10 months: climbing down the 2 stairs into the laundry room/dog bedroom. She can't stand if we close the door, leaving her without access to the dogs, their dirty water bowl to splash in, and bucket of food/her drum. 

Catching Up

It has been way too long since I have posted anything. This whole starting a new job, going back to full time, and being a mom, doesn't leave much time for blogging, needless to say, much else, but this is life for the time being. It couldn't be more exhausting, nor more full of joy and fulfillment at the same time. Here are a few highlights from the last few months....

Oh, I just can't handle how much I love her. 

Pool time in the backyard. Not only does Ri love it, but it is sometimes very necessary, just to get mama out of the house. 

This girl is thankfully becoming less picky with food. On the down side she pockets avocado and melon to the point of throwing up, literally. 

Growing up, I (Chelsea) absolutely loved being in my bathing suit (I'll post a pic another time, there are tons)...needless to say, Riley's not even 1 and she has 4 suits already (thanks to grandma and friends).

Just hanging out in the front yard. One of my favorite pics these days. Now that she crawls, she is a dirty little wreck! 

No one can make her giggle the way Daddy does, and I LOVE it!

A quick trip to the Bay area for a wedding and to see our dear friends the Jung's, Gridley's, and Auntie Jenny (who generously spent the day in Santa Cruz with Ri while we went to the wedding).

Having the best time matching with my close friend Lynsie's daughter Magnolia. 

Mother's Day - had such a great day, including exploring Cabrillo Monument.

We don't get to see the Ethan and Preston (Ri's cousins) nearly enough.

Riley's classic face. There must be a million pictures of her like this.

You should see how she lights up when she sees her Tia and Tio. We are so lucky to have them in our lives.

Sending a message to our Auntie Wafa in Italy, who we miss so much, yet Skype with often.